Ravel, Debussy & Saint-Saëns
Conductor Philippe Jordan and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet bring a special je ne sais quoi to the Bowl during an enchanting and exciting night of French music.
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Thu Sept 10, 2026 8pm
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Ravel, Debussy & Saint-Saëns
Philippe Jordan, “the low-key maestro who’s taking French [music] to new heights” (The Guardian) brings a rejuvenating je ne sais quoi to a night of masterworks by three of the most popular composers from France.
A highlight on the program is the simple yet genius Boléro. Driven by the steadfast beat of a snare drum, Ravel’s iconic piece gradually builds from a singular, soft flute melody into a loud and magnificent, full-orchestra march in a matter of 15 minutes.
Saint-Saëns’ zippy and dramatic Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah kicks off the night on a high note, before Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on Ravel’s mesmerizing Piano Concerto in G—a piece he’s been playing since he was 11 years old. “Ravel was extremely specific,” Thibaudet says. “It was almost an obsession with him, every little detail he wanted to write on the score, so you have to do it.” After intermission, the orchestra spins and sways through Ravel’s La valse and Debussy’s timeless Clair de lune.
